Unlike in Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere, urban history has never been sustained as a distinct field of scholarship in New Zealand. This is surprising, considering that since the early twentieth century most New Zealanders have lived in towns and cities – 86 per cent were urban in 2014. Yet we know surprisingly little about these urban dwellers and the spaces in which they lived.

The pursuit of city life is one of the most important untold stories of New Zealand. The Big Smoke is the first comprehensive history to tell this story, presenting a dynamic and highly illustrated account of city life from 1840 to 1920.

It explores such questions as: what did cities look like and how did they change; why were women especially drawn to live in cities; in what ways did Māori experience and shape cities; how far was the street a living room and stage for city life; and why did New Zealand so quickly become a nation of townspeople?

At a time of national debate over housing and the growth of our cities, Ben Schrader’s superb new history reveals how our urban origins have shaped the people we are today.

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Endorsements

‘Ben Schrader’s The Big Smoke is a compelling reminder of the centrality of cities in New Zealand history. This book brings to life a neglected dimension of our collective past and should change many New Zealanders’ understanding of both place and history.’ Tony Ballantyne, Professor of History, University of Otago

‘The Big Smoke impressively fills a large gap in our social, economic and cultural history. Engagingly written and beautifully illustrated, Ben Schrader’s book makes a convincing case that it is our urban rather than our rural identity that has been central to most New Zealanders.’ Philippa Howden-Chapman, Professor of Public Health, University of Otago

Comment

'Written with exceptional grace and clarity, the book covers a range of important themes in urban history, and some of the chapters – especially those about crowds, people, dirt, and the rural and suburban attack on the city – are particularly compelling. This is evidently a book written by a historian expert in the field; it is based on extensive research, is well illustrated, and is above all thought-provoking.' Jim McAloon, Judge of the 2017 NZ Heritage Non-Fiction Book Award

'Schrader focuses in his book on eight aspects which are chronological but also thematic. These include foundations of the cities, material concerns, culture, sociability and conflict on the street, Maori and environmental concerns. He also touches on religion and the role of women. This is no dry tome. The pages are illustrated with maps, early photographs, sketches and documents.' Kathy Watson, Booksellers NZ Blog, 15 November 2016

'Schrader's fascination with [the cities'] built and human geography shines through the pages of a lively, absorbing book that, although written from an expert's perspective, will engage most readers. The illustrations are especially absorbing, underpinning the author's view of our cities as dynamic, restless entities that have constantly attracted us from their beginning and that will continue to have a profound effect on our lives. A fascinating, important book.' Chris Moore, The Listener, 12 November 2016

'This new book fills a gap in our cultural and social understanding. It gives us a new perspective on New Zealand's settlement and it couldn't have been published at a better time, just when housing is the topic du jour.' Anne Gibson, New Zealand Herald, 5 November 2016